New Spitalfields Market celebrated its 18th year last week with a fund-raising bash to help rebuild the earthquake region in Sichuan.
The Gourmet Charity Gala at the Leyton site hosted wholesalers selling fruit and vegetables from all over the world food, as well as eastern touches such as dragon and lion dance, a Chinese martial arts demonstration and a performance from Chinese Elvis Paul Hui.
Some £38,000 has already been raised for the cause, with the market on course for its target of £50,000.
The event was organised by the New Spitalfield Tenants’ Association, Sunnyfield Veg Ltd, Cooks Delight Ltd and supported by the City of London, Walthamstow Council and the London Development Agency.
All proceeds from the event were donated to the Chinese Children Trust Fund and other local charities.
Ronny Liu, director of Sunnyfield Veg Ltd and Cook’s Delights Ltd, was a key organiser of the event. He told FPJ: “I wanted to do something because I have been to Sichuan, so I spoke to the chairman of the tenants’ association and he fully supported my idea. This event brings together the local and Chinese communities, as well as representatives from the Chinese embassy and the City of London.”
Chris Hutchinson, chairman of the New Spitalfields Tenants’ Association, added: “We are coming of age now that we are 18 and we will plan an even bigger event for when we turn 25. This is a multicultural market and today we have a Chinese theme, but that is just one of the nationalities and cultures that we have here at Spitalfields.”
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